NOTD
NOTD (pronounced "noted") is a Swedish electronic music production duo consisting of Tobias Danielsson and Samuel Brandt.[1][2][3] Specializing in vibrant, tropical-inspired future bass and dance-pop, the duo creates introspective tracks often exploring relationship themes.[4][3] Formed in 2017 after Danielsson and Brandt connected on SoundCloud, NOTD initially gained recognition through remixes before transitioning to original productions.[4][5] Their breakthrough came with the 2018 single "I Wanna Know" featuring Bea Miller, which amassed millions of streams and established their signature upbeat yet emotional sound.[6][7] Follow-up hits like "So Close" (with Felix Jaehn featuring Georgia Ku) and "Keep You Mine" further solidified their presence in the EDM scene, contributing to over 3 billion total streams across platforms as of 2025.[6][4][8][9] NOTD has collaborated with artists such as Astrid S, Daya, and Nightly, releasing tracks like "I Don't Know Why," "Wanted," and "about you" that blend pop accessibility with electronic production.[1][2][10] In 2025, they released the EP Digital Notes, supporting their headlining Digital Notes Tour, while continuing to share production insights through vlogs and tutorials.[11][12][13] Their evolution from SoundCloud collaborators to international performers highlights their impact on modern electronic pop.[5][14]Early life and formation
Members
NOTD is composed of two Swedish producers, Samuel Brandt and Tobias Danielsson.[1] Samuel Brandt, born November 23, 2000, in Trollhättan, Sweden, is 24 years old as of November 2025.[15][16] Known professionally under the stage name Severo during his early solo endeavors, Brandt began producing music as a teenager while attending high school in Sweden.[1] He initially uploaded his tracks to SoundCloud under this pseudonym, focusing on electronic styles that caught the attention of like-minded artists.[1][2] Tobias Danielsson, born June 8, 1998, in Älmhult, Sweden, is 27 years old as of November 2025.[17][16] Performing under the stage name ToWonder in his pre-duo phase, Danielsson started his music production journey as a teenager, influenced by electronic music and drawing from his experience playing guitar since age 14.[1][2] Like Brandt, he shared his independent work on SoundCloud during high school, establishing an online presence in the electronic scene.[1] Both members attended the same music-business high school in southern Sweden, where they pursued their early interests in production before connecting online.[1][2] Their individual SoundCloud uploads under Severo and ToWonder laid the groundwork for their eventual collaboration.[1]Meeting and group formation
Samuel Brandt and Tobias Danielsson first connected in 2016 through SoundCloud while both were attending the same high school in southern Sweden. Brandt discovered Danielsson's music online and reached out via Facebook to propose a collaboration, leading them to begin producing tracks remotely for fun. They initially worked on remixes together before realizing they shared the same school, which strengthened their partnership; Brandt even relocated five hours to attend the institution.[2] The duo chose the name NOTD by creatively combining elements from their surnames: the last two letters of Danielsson ("ON") reversed to "NO," and the last two letters of Brandt ("DT") to form "NOTD," pronounced as "noted." This moniker reflected their aim to be recognized in the music scene.[5] In 2017, NOTD submitted their remixes as demos to Universal Music Sweden and secured a signing deal based on that early work. Under the label, they released their debut single "Summer of Love" featuring Dagny on August 11, 2017, marking their entry into original music production.[18][19] Prior to their official debut, NOTD's remix of Ed Sheeran's "Shape of You" garnered significant viral traction on social media platforms, boosting their visibility and contributing to their label interest. This track later received an official release through Atlantic Records UK in 2017.[20]Professional career
Debut and breakthrough (2017–2019)
NOTD entered the electronic dance music scene with their debut single "Summer of Love," featuring Norwegian singer Dagny, released on August 11, 2017. This track, blending tropical house elements with pop vocals, garnered initial attention via streaming platforms and remixes, including their nominated take on Ed Sheeran's "Shape of You."[3] Building on this buzz, the duo followed with additional remixes for artists like Shawn Mendes, establishing their production style and attracting label interest for wider release.[21] In late 2019, NOTD released "Wanted" featuring Daya. The duo achieved their breakthrough in 2018 with "I Wanna Know," featuring American singer Bea Miller, released via Island Records.[22] The song peaked at No. 6 on the Billboard Dance Club Songs chart and reached the top 10 on the Hot Dance/Electronic Songs chart, marking their first significant U.S. chart success.[23] It also earned platinum certifications in Canada, Sweden, and Australia, reflecting strong international appeal. By mid-2018, the track had surpassed 60 million Spotify streams, contributing to NOTD's rising profile.[24] In 2018, NOTD collaborated with German producer Felix Jaehn on "So Close," featuring production from Captain Cuts and vocals by Georgia Ku, released under ToWonder and Universal Music Group.[25] The single topped the Billboard Dance Club Songs and Dance/Mix Show Airplay charts, while peaking at No. 11 on the Hot Dance/Electronic Songs chart.[25] That year, they supported Zedd on his Orbit Tour across the U.S. and Europe, performing at venues like the Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Portland.[26] By the end of 2019, NOTD's catalog, led by "I Wanna Know," had accumulated over 100 million global streams, leading to expanded distribution deals with major labels like Universal Music Group for broader international reach.[27]Expansion and recent projects (2020–2025)
In 2020, NOTD earned a nomination for Dance Song of the Year at the iHeartRadio Music Awards for their track "So Close," highlighting their growing prominence in the electronic pop scene. To adapt to industry disruptions, including the cancellation of their European tour, NOTD shifted focus to remote collaborations and virtual production, maintaining momentum through online content creation.[12] The duo's post-pandemic recovery gained traction in 2022 with the release of their debut EP NOTED..., which featured tracks such as "about you" and "Never A Good Time," showcasing their evolving electro-pop sound with introspective lyrics and upbeat production. They resumed live performances with select tour dates across the U.S. and Europe, marking a cautious return to in-person events after lockdowns.[26] By 2023, NOTD expanded their catalog with remixes, including a notable version of "Hold On Me," and issued a Japan-exclusive edition of the NOTED... EP to tap into international markets. In 2024, they intensified live engagements, headlining a show in Manhattan and embarking on a fall DJ tour that emphasized high-energy sets blending their hits with new material.[28] Entering 2025, NOTD released the EP Digital Notes on March 14, incorporating tracks like "I Just Missed A Call" and "Crash" that explored themes of connection in the digital age. The lead single "Another Life" was included on the EP. In October, they released the single "HERE 4 U". In October, they signed with SoundOn for enhanced global distribution, aligning with platforms popular among younger audiences. By mid-2025, NOTD had amassed over 3 billion total streams across platforms, reflecting sustained fan engagement.[10] Throughout this period, the duo emphasized live DJ sets at festivals and clubs, complemented by regular vlogs on social media that offered behind-the-scenes insights into their creative process.Artistic style
Genres and influences
NOTD's music is characterized by a fusion of electropop, dance-pop, and future bass, often incorporating elements of electronic dance music (EDM) and pop rock to create bright, energetic tracks with infectious hooks and layered synths.[4][29][30] The duo draws significant inspiration from the Swedish electronic music scene, with early exposure to acts like Avicii shaping their approach to melody and vocal integration.[1] They also express admiration for producers such as Zedd, whose innovative EDM productions influenced their initial foray into the genre, alongside broader draws from house and pop elements.[31] Personal favorites include Ed Sheeran, whose song structures inspired their remix work, and pop vocalists like Bea Miller, with whom they collaborated on early hits.[32][33] Over time, NOTD's sound has evolved from high-energy, drop-heavy remixes in their formative years to more melodic, vocal-driven compositions by the mid-2020s, blending tropical house vibes with modern synth-pop for an emotive, organic feel. This progression is evident in their incorporation of live instrumentation like guitars, reflecting a shift toward introspective, band-influenced production.[2][31] Their style continued in the 2025 EP Digital Notes, featuring dance-pop tracks with collaborations like Maia Wright and Oaks.[34] Collaborations, such as their early track with Dagny, highlight this genre-blending style through uplifting, vocal-centric arrangements.[32]Production and collaborations
NOTD's production process centers on crafting dynamic electronic tracks with explosive drops, catchy synth lines, and playful vocal manipulations, emphasizing festival-ready builds and memorable hooks that integrate pop elements seamlessly. The duo frequently starts with vocal chops to shape lead melodies, treating vocals as a primary instrument to add texture and drive the composition forward. This hands-on approach allows them to layer synths and construct high-energy drops that prioritize emotional resonance and dancefloor appeal.[1][35] In their workflow, Tobias Danielsson and Samuel Brandt utilize Logic Pro and Ableton Live, respectively, exchanging stems to merge their individual contributions into cohesive tracks. This division enables efficient collaboration while accommodating their preferences for software functionalities in arranging, mixing, and finalizing productions. Their emphasis on vocal integration often involves co-writing sessions that blend pop sensibilities—such as structured hooks and lyrical storytelling—with electronic production techniques like synth layering and rhythmic builds.[35] Key partnerships highlight NOTD's collaborative ethos, with frequent features alongside vocalists including Bea Miller on "I Wanna Know," Daya on various projects, and Georgia Ku on "So Close." They have co-produced with Felix Jaehn and Captain Cuts, most notably on "So Close," where the team's combined expertise elevated the track's pop-EDM fusion. NOTD also extended their remixing talents to Justin Bieber's "Daisies" in 2025, infusing the original with their signature synth-driven energy, while their own "Worst Thing" featuring kenzie received a remix from artist Brooks, showcasing reciprocal creative exchanges.[1][36][37][38] Since their formation in 2017, NOTD has embraced remote collaboration tools like file-sharing platforms such as SoundCloud for exchanging demos and stems, a practice that intensified during the 2020 pandemic. This method facilitated continued co-writing and production despite travel restrictions, allowing them to incorporate distant vocalists and producers into sessions focused on refining pop-electronic hybrids. For instance, their pandemic-era release "I Don’t Know Why" with Astrid S was developed through such remote integrations, yielding rapid streaming success.[1][35]Discography
Extended plays
NOTD's discography features two extended plays as of November 2025, which have functioned as their main extended releases without any full-length studio albums to date. These EPs showcase the duo's evolution in electronic pop production, blending collaborative vocals with upbeat, melodic structures. The debut EP, NOTED..., was released on September 9, 2022, comprising six tracks that highlight collaborations with various artists. Produced by NOTD and released under their label in partnership with Universal Music, the project explores themes of relationships and introspection through infectious hooks and layered synths. Key tracks include "about you" featuring Nightly and "Never A Good Time" featuring The Band CAMINO. A Japan-exclusive edition followed on October 25, 2023, expanding the original with bonus remixes and seven additional hit singles for a total of 14 tracks, marking the EP's first physical CD release.[39][40]| No. | Title | Featured artist(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Less I Know | Quinn XCII | 2:46 |
| 2 | Killing Me | Hastings | 2:55 |
| 3 | What's With The Roses | Kiiara | 2:50 |
| 4 | Worst Thing | kenzie | 2:38 |
| 5 | about you | Nightly | 2:47 |
| 6 | Never A Good Time | The Band CAMINO | 2:49 |
| No. | Title | Featured artist(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Another Life | Oaks | 2:19 |
| 2 | Lover Online | Maia Wright | 2:47 |
| 3 | Crash | — | 2:27 |
| 4 | I Just Missed A Call | Hilda | 2:35 |
| 5 | Bruce Wayne | INJI | 2:15 |
| 6 | WIFI | — | 2:15 |
Singles
NOTD's singles discography spans a diverse array of collaborations, beginning with their debut releases that established their presence in the electronic dance music scene. Their first single, "Summer of Love" featuring Norwegian singer Dagny, was released in 2017 and marked their entry into the industry with its upbeat, summery production.[44] This track gained traction on streaming platforms, setting the stage for subsequent releases. In 2018, NOTD achieved broader recognition with "I Wanna Know" featuring American vocalist Bea Miller, which peaked at number 6 on the US Billboard Dance Club Songs chart and earned platinum certifications in Australia (4×), Canada (2×), Sweden, and Norway.[4] The song's success extended internationally, reaching the top 20 in Australia and demonstrating their ability to blend pop sensibilities with electronic elements.[45] Later that year, "So Close" in collaboration with Felix Jaehn and featuring Captain Cuts and Georgia Ku topped the US Billboard Dance Club Songs chart and reached number 1 on the Dance/Mix Show Airplay chart, highlighting their growing influence in dance music.[25] The duo's singles in 2019 further solidified their chart presence. "Wanted," featuring Daya, was released on September 27 and showcased a more introspective tone while maintaining their signature melodic hooks.[46] In 2021, they contributed the "slower (NOTD Remix)" to Tate McRae's track, emphasizing their remix expertise in pop collaborations.[47] More recently, NOTD continued releasing standalone singles, including "Hold On Me" featuring Emei in 2023, which included several remixes to extend its reach across electronic subgenres.[48] In 2024, "Bruce Wayne" featuring INJI was released, accompanied by remixes such as the Loek version, adding to their evolving sound.[49] In 2025, they released "HERE 4 U."[50] Overall, NOTD has released over 20 singles by 2025, amassing over 3 billion streams across platforms as of November 2025.[8] Their singles have consistently performed well on charts, securing multiple top 10 positions on Billboard's Dance/Electronic Songs chart, with notable international success in Sweden, Australia, and Canada through certifications and playlist placements.[25]Recognition
Awards
NOTD has garnered recognition primarily through commercial certifications rather than traditional award ceremonies. Their music has achieved notable sales and streaming milestones, earning certifications from major industry bodies that honor production excellence in electronic and pop genres. Key certifications include:| Song | Certification | Country | Year | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| "I Wanna Know" (feat. Bea Miller) | Platinum | United States (RIAA) | 2018 | RIAA Gold & Platinum |
| "I Wanna Know" (feat. Bea Miller) | Platinum | Sweden | 2019 | Universal Music Canada Press Release |
| "I Wanna Know" (feat. Bea Miller) | Platinum | Canada | 2019 | Universal Music Canada Press Release |
| "I Wanna Know" (feat. Bea Miller) | 4× Platinum | Australia | 2019 | Universal Music Canada Press Release |
| "I Wanna Know" (feat. Bea Miller) | Platinum | Norway | 2019 | Universal Music Canada Press Release |